The Enduring Mystery: 5 Secrets Behind Barbra Streisand's 27-Year Marriage To James Brolin
Contents
James Brolin: A Complete Biography and Profile
James Brolin, the man who captured Barbra Streisand's heart, is a successful and prolific figure in the entertainment industry, known for his rugged looks, commanding presence, and versatile acting roles across film and television. He is Streisand’s second husband.- Full Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1940
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 85 years old
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Profession: Actor, Producer, Director
- Estimated Net Worth: $50 million (as of 2025)
- Spouses:
- Jane Cameron Agee (m. 1966; div. 1984)
- Jan Smithers (m. 1986; div. 1995)
- Barbra Streisand (m. 1998–Present)
- Children:
- Josh Brolin (from first marriage)
- Jess Brolin (from first marriage)
- Molly Elizabeth Brolin (from second marriage)
- Notable Roles: Dr. Steven Kiley in *Marcus Welby, M.D.*, Peter McDermott in *Hotel*, Colonel Bill Woodard in *Capricorn One*, and Royal Abbott in *Outer Range*.
The Blind Date That Started a 27-Year Hollywood Love Story
The beginning of the Streisand-Brolin romance is a famous Hollywood anecdote, often cited as proof that even superstars can find love on a simple blind date. The couple first met in 1996 at a dinner party, set up by a mutual friend. At the time, Streisand was 54 and Brolin was 56. The initial spark, however, was not immediate. Streisand famously recalled that Brolin’s first words to her were a blunt assessment of her appearance. Brolin, known for his laid-back, rugged, and somewhat unconventional demeanor, reportedly told the superstar, "I think you’ve got a lot of work to do." Rather than being offended, Streisand was intrigued by his honesty and lack of pretension, a stark contrast to the typical celebrity interaction. This moment of candor is often credited as the foundation of their genuine, no-filter relationship. They dated for two years before tying the knot in a lavish ceremony at Streisand's Malibu estate on July 1, 1998. The wedding was a star-studded affair, but the focus remained on the deep connection between the two seasoned actors, both of whom had experienced previous marriages and knew the commitment required for a long-term partnership.A Blended Family and Previous Marriages
Both Barbra Streisand and James Brolin brought their own families and histories into the marriage, creating one of Hollywood’s most notable blended families. This complexity, though challenging, has strengthened their bond. Streisand was previously married to actor Elliott Gould from 1963 to 1971. They share a son, Jason Gould, who is also an actor and filmmaker. Brolin, meanwhile, had been married twice before meeting Streisand. His first marriage to Jane Cameron Agee produced two children, including the successful Oscar-nominated actor Josh Brolin, and daughter Jess Brolin. His second marriage to actress Jan Smithers resulted in one daughter, Molly Elizabeth Brolin. The couple has often spoken publicly about the importance of family and supporting their children and grandchildren, including Josh Brolin's thriving career in major films like *Dune* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.James Brolin's Career Renaissance and $50 Million Net Worth
While often referred to as "Barbra Streisand's husband," James Brolin maintains a highly active and successful career that spans over six decades. His estimated net worth of $50 million is a reflection of his enduring work as an actor, director, and producer. Brolin’s career has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, proving his continued relevance in the modern entertainment landscape.Recent and Upcoming Projects
Brolin has successfully transitioned to the streaming era, taking on complex roles that appeal to a new generation of viewers. * *Outer Range* (2022–Present): Brolin stars as the lead, Royal Abbott, a Wyoming cattle rancher who discovers a mysterious void on his land in this critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video mystery thriller series. The show has been a major success, showcasing Brolin's ability to carry a high-concept drama. * *Ransom Canyon* (Upcoming 2025): Looking ahead to 2025, Brolin is set to star in the highly anticipated romantic drama series *Ransom Canyon*. This upcoming project highlights his continued demand for leading roles in major television productions. * *Lightyear* (2022): Brolin also lent his distinctive voice to the animated world, voicing the iconic villain Emperor Zurg in the Pixar film *Lightyear*. His consistent work in high-profile projects like *Life in Pieces*, *The 33*, and his directorial work solidifies his status as a Hollywood veteran whose career is far from over.Reflections on Marriage in *My Name Is Barbra*
The public received an intimate look into the relationship in late 2023 with the release of Streisand's long-awaited memoir, *My Name Is Barbra*. While the book covers her entire life and career—from her early days in Brooklyn and her Broadway success to her Oscar wins for *Funny Girl*—it also provides a candid account of her life with Brolin. Streisand writes openly about their differences, noting that Brolin is a pragmatic, grounded contrast to her own meticulous, creatively-driven nature. She attributes the success of their marriage not to similarity, but to a shared commitment to making it work. "I think the real reason our relationship has endured is that we’re both willing to work at it," Streisand wrote, emphasizing the effort required to maintain a partnership in the intense spotlight of show business. The couple’s ability to maintain a strong, private life despite their enormous fame—often retreating to their vast, art-filled Malibu home—is the ultimate secret to their enduring success, proving that for this iconic pair, love truly does conquer all.Detail Author:
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